Yogi Govt’s initiatives empower transgender community, elevating their role in state progress

Lucknow: In a significant effort to uplift all segments of society, the Yogi government is extending the benefits of various schemes, with a notable impact on the transgender community. Through these schemes, individuals from transgender community are getting employment opportunities, steering the state towards progress by engaging in new business ventures and leaving behind traditional income sources.

In an event held at the Bhagidari Bhawan in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, on Friday, prominent individuals from the transgender community discussed the same in India’s first transgender literary and cultural program 2024. Transgender Identity Certificate and its benefits were also discussed. The discussion covered the process of availing benefits under the SMILE scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, including benefits from Garima Grih, Ayushman Plus Card, scholarships, and more.

During the program, Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi mentioned that the Uttar Pradesh government is doing a good job in bringing the transgender community into the mainstream. Through various schemes, they are getting employment opportunities, leaving behind traditional sources of income, and contributing to the progress of society and the country.

State Minister (Independent Charge) for Social Welfare, Asim Arun, said that the Yogi government is providing equal development opportunities to every individual of the society. In line with this, a transgender literary and cultural festival has been organized. Our effort is to ensure that the transgender community receives a respectful place in society and by coming into the mainstream, they can play their role in their own and the country’s development.

During the program, there was a discussion on the need and efforts to bring the transgender community into the mainstream through literature, art, and music. In addition to this, the transgender community expressed their thoughts through poetry recitation, street plays, dance dramas, ramp walks, and emotional expressions, emphasizing that they also have equal rights in society, and they are contributing to changing society.

The program was inaugurated by Asim Arun, Minister of State for Social Welfare. Throughout the event, key figures associated with the transgender community participated including Vice Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board Sonam Chishti, Principal Secretary of Social Welfare Dr. Hariom, Director of Social Welfare Kumar Prashant, Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, Mahamandaleshwar Kaushalya Nand Giri, Devika Devendra S Mangalamukhi, and other members of the Transgender Welfare Board.